[10 Years of Design Competitions, 30 Public Architecture Selections] Munsan-eup Community Center

SPACE November 2023 (No. 672) 

10 years have passed since the design competition system was overhauled as a consequence of the Act On The Promotion Of Building Service Industry. As multiple adjustments and corrections have been made over time to the operation of design competitions, the system has given birth to numerous selections that populate our surroundings today. If these winning designs, which were born out of the creative struggles of individual designers in their respective times and places under the aegis of ‘good public architecture’, were to be assembled in a single space, what would stand out? SPACE have selected 30 distinguished examples of public architecture that have been recognised by the architectural scene over the past 10 years. We compared images of the winning designs and their results, and interviewed the architects. Our selection criteria was primarily based on being honoured with selection, but we also wanted to offer as diverse an outlook as possible according to type and year of competition, ordering institution, and use or function, to offer a wide spectrum of examples. When it came to public residences, we decided not to feature them in this article as they are a unique breed in terms of scale and programme. By reviewing all stages, from planning, examination, selection, and the post-construction phases, and after hearing from those responsible for them about the obstacles that they faced on their journey towards good public architecture, we hope that the testimonies of these people who witnessed the various aspects of the design competition system will give us a sense of continued direction as to where we should be heading in the next 10 years. 

Q1: From the design competition to construction, what was the main task when it came to the completion of your project? In which areas do you think your project did well, and what made this possible?

Q2: What suggestions would you make to improve the way design competitions are conducted in Korea?

©bold architects 

©Kyungsub Shin 

A1: Our design was praised for its position which suits the original building and below, for its connection between interior and exterior spaces using the front corridor, and for its ability to tap into the strengths of a wooden structure. After construction, this project was also well-received by the Korea Wood Design Awards as one that not only brings about a natural connection between Eoul Madang and Community Center but also spatially captures the NLT structure method while creating a space for the locals. After the design competition, the interest and administrative aid from Jinju City played an important role, and it was possible to realise and retain the design intention for its final construction via close consultation with the master planner from the planning stage. Also, we were able to improve and raise our technical abilities and construction to a higher level through the support from Canada Wood during the execution stage.

A2: Architect offices choose to compete in only a small selection of competitions. The reason lies in the issue of trust felt for the competition and the abilities of the jury. To secure trust, there is a need to systematically improve the competition procedure, and the organisation needs to strictly follow regulations to keep the competition process transparent. Setting a realistic project budget and continued administrative support for the implementation of design intention are also important.

2020 design proposal competition

Architect  

bold architects (Shin Sungjin, Son Kyungmin)

Location  

1265-1, Samgok-ri, Munsan-eup, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Programme  

neighbourhood living facility

Gross floor area  

208.88m²

Design cost  

budget – 31.84 million KRW / actual cost – 45.63 million KRW

Construction cost  

budget – 552 million KRW / actual cost – 816 million KRW

Competition year  

May 2020

Completion year  

Dec. 2021

Client  

Jinju City

Prize  

Korea Wood Design Awards (2021)​​​